what kind of tests are done to follow up for melanoma skin cancer?
i had melanoma on my lower leg and had a widening done. they said the melanoma had not spread. should’nt i be having follow up tests or something? this was 2000. none of my doctors seem concerned.
Clearly you must have had Melanoma in situ, or stage 0 melanoma. The cure for that is total excision of the tumor, making sure all margins are clear. That is the only treatment needed for melanoma in that stage. Your only issue now is to make sure it doesn’t show up anywhere else. See a dermatologist twice a year. Have your spouse or close friend check you all over for any suspicious moles on a regular basis. Wear sun screen every time you go outside. You should draw a picture of yourself and plot the moles on your body or better yet photograph them and compare annually. Be aware of any changes in a mole. Since you had it once, you are more prone to a recurrence than most people. Be vigilant and good luck.
At the very least you need to be checked AT LEAST once a year by a good dermatologist. Also be on the lookout for any changes in moles. Stay on top of things and you should be fine!